Travels with Gusto: epicurious

Showing posts with label epicurious. Show all posts

Thursday, October 9, 2014

Gelato by master maker Sergio Dondoli of San Gimignano. His gelato is regarded by many as the best in the world because of the international awards he has won. The world’s best gelato in 2014 went to France but that doesn’t make these Dondoli creations any less good. #gelato #Tuscany #Italy #epicurious #travelswithgusto

Finally, rice. An amazing osso bucco and risotto at Trattoria Pizzeria Dante in Florence. #Firenze #Italy #Florence #epicurious

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Breakfast with a view. Tramezzinis, those triangular sandwiches often bulging with different types of filling, are surprisingly addicting. This is the restrained version from Cafe Florian, just smoked salmon and cream with a dollop of caviar. I would call this a tea sandwich. #Venice #Italy #epicurious #travelandleisure #travelswithgusto

Monday, October 6, 2014

My first meal in Venezia: prosciutto, walnuts, Parmigianno and arugula. This was followed by the best coconut macaroons I have ever tasted. Ciao belly. #majeritaly #Venice #Italy #epicurious #travelandleisure #travelswithgusto

Saturday, October 4, 2014

The first thing I ate in Nice: a pissaladiere, a French pizza topped with caramelized onions, onions and whole anchovies! #Nice #France #travelswithgusto #epicurious

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Croque monsieur with a view. #aixenprovence #france #travelswithgusto #epicurious

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

The foie gras to rule them all at Bistrot des Philosophes. #aixenprovence #foiegras #bistrotdesphilosophes #france #epicurious

Saturday, September 27, 2014

As good as its reputation. #angelinas #paris #travelswithgusto #epicurious

About Me

I am a writer with a big appetite, for food, for travel, for life.

For more than two decades, I have been writing travel and food pieces for international and regional publications, including Travel + Leisure US, T+L Southeast Asia and Conde Nast Traveller UK.

I have a few books to my name, both as writer and editor. These include two coffee table books, Sonya’s Garden and the DOT-funded Best of the Best Philippines. I also wrote for Insight Publishing's guidebook, Asia's Best Hotels and Resorts.

Several years ago, I was the executive editor of Mabuhay, the in-flight magazine of Philippine Airlines.

In 2002, I was awarded Best Travel Writer in the ASEAN Travel Awards.

In parallel to my writing career, I also work as a digital media executive.

About This Blog

I was raised on good food, courtesy of a maternal grandmother who was relentless in the kitchen.

Lola Illang, a retired Home Economics teacher, could make anything by hand and was ardent about growing her own ingredients. By her example, and from the beaming faces of friends and family who came to share our table, I learned that food was love made manifest.

It is little wonder then that I became an advocate of slow food (or, as I like to call it, soul food), in restaurants and in my own kitchen. I look forward to the thrill of tracking down the finest ingredients, whether fresh produce that are tended with care and plucked at their peak, or artisanal elements that can be savored with very little embellishment. I find joy in watching my food putter quietly in the stove for hours until its flavors mellow and deepen. Good food takes time. I suppose the same can be said about love, and everything else that matters.

My appetite only grew bigger when I started a career in travel writing. My best adventures are those that begin and end at the table, with frequent grazing along the way. I never go anywhere without visiting the local market or signing up for a cooking class. For me, the kitchen offers the best view of the world.

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